SPECIAL FEATURE: Racism, incompetence, collusion or corruption?

The brutal death of Stephen Lawrence at the hands of racist murderers five years ago was shocking enough. It followed several other such fatal attacks and a growing level of harassment of black people in south east London. These incidents were, to many people, linked to a growing level of racism in the area following the opening of the BNP 'bookshop' there.

But almost as shocking as Stephen's death is the tale of his family's and friends' attempt to bring his attackers to justice. The inquiry which has been taking place in the past few months has revealed a catalogue of failure on the part of the police. It has also demonstrated that the public airing of the case has only got as far as this because of the efforts of the Lawrence family, their friends and supporters, to fight for the truth to come out.

The police deny any racism on their part, but this claim sounds hollow to many black people - not surprisingly, given the police record and the very high level of institutionalised racism which exists in Britain. The Labour government is claiming that it is dealing with the issue because the inquiry has been set up. But it has done little to challenge the priorities of the police or to deal with the deeper problems of racism in British society.

In this special issue, campaigning journalist Paul Foot explains what is so remarkable about the case and why it has become such a major question. Gary McFarlane examines the experience of Britain's immigrants from the Caribbean and their descendants over the past 50 years and shows how racism is still a major feature of their lives. We also speak to some campaigners who attended the inquiry and look at the police record of racism.